Magnetic Island is a beautiful location thatās just a brief ferry journey from Townsville.Ā The Island isĀ surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and it has been listed as a World Heritage site. Thereās a vast selection of 23 beaches and bays for you to visit whenever youād like.
Magnetic Island National Park
The majority of the Islandās north-west and its interior are consumed by the Magnetic Island National Park, a place that provides an excellent and stunning habitat for all of the islandās animals and plants. Throughout the Northās rugged terrain, youāll find rock wallabies and a whole host of other intriguing inhabitants. Then thereās the amazing eucalyptus forests that have long been called home by northern Australiaās biggest outdoor koala colony.
The Bays
Coral reefs arenāt exactly an uncommon sight in the area, theyāre dotted around everywhere and you can explore them inside the two well-known snorkelling trails ā one of which youāll find in Geoffrey Bay and one youāll find in Nelly Bay.Ā Prepare yourself for the absolutely stunning and spectacular scenery thatās surrounding you when youāre doing the Forts Walk, a very impressive trail thatāll bring you to some World War II forts and have you come across plenty of koalas on the way. Itās here that you can expect the most impressive views of the surrounding bays and of other areas.
One of the bays that youāll be able to see is called Horseshoe Bay, which is a world-renowned spot for paddle-boats, kayaking and sailing, and itās also proudly home to an awesome selection of cafes and restaurants. Whatever your tastes may be, thereās sure to be something for everyone.
Accommodation & Travel
Despite the fact that the National Park takes up just over half the Islandās land, thereās still aĀ large range of accommodation for you to choose from. Every budgetās catered for on Magnetic Island. Thereās a few different ways to travel around, but the main solutions are to use the very efficient local island bus service, or to get around in a car.
Koalas
If youāre a fan of koalas, youāre especially in for a treat. Itās been estimated that thereās currently around 800 koalas living within the Island. And theyāre some of the healthiest, most accessible and friendliest colonies that youāll find across the whole of Australia. You wonāt ever know when oneās about to pop up!Ā Thereās also a huge variety of other wildlife, including birds, echidnas, kookaburras, rock wallabies and curlews.Ā The Island truly is an absolute paradise for nature.
Activities
Whatever you enjoy doing, thereās bound to be something for you at Magnetic Island. Thereās a whole host of outdoor activities such as diving, aeroplane joyrides, snorkeling, bike riding, kayaking, sailing, jet-skiing, hiking and horse-riding. All youāve got to do is step outside and do everything youāre able to while youāre still there, thereās plenty of it so itās best to get everything done while youāve still got time!